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Memphis Depay will get Louis van Gaal sacked

By Rucker Haringey

Jul 21, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Manchester United midfielder Memphis Depay (9) celebrates with forward Wayne Rooney (10) after a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Manchester United midfielder Memphis Depay (9) celebrates with forward Wayne Rooney (10) after a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the first half at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Manchester United attacker Memphis Depay’s play on the pitch and his antics off of it, may ultimately cost Louis van Gaal his job

Manchester United fans should resign themselves to the fact that Louis van Gaal isn’t going to leave the club on amicable terms. He will be fired from the club eventually, and the chief reason why may be Memphis Depay.

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Depay’s substitute appearance in United’s loss to Sunderland today was a perfect microcosm for his struggles at the club. He showed flashes of individual skill, but ultimately it didn’t lead to anything productive. What’s even worse, is that his arrival on the pitch effectively ended Anthony Martial’s influence on the match.

While some of that blame should fall to Martial for failing to remain aggressive, it’s clear that Depay’s introduction cramped the French forward’s style. Both men arrived at Old Trafford with sky-high expectations, but only Martial has lived up to his reputation.

Most managers would accept that Depay has been a flop and leave him out of the lineup. Van Gaal has too much of an ego to accept the failure of his starlet. He considers Memphis’ struggles as some sort of personal reflection on his abilities. He has become more consumed with proving he can be right, than making sure Manchester United wins the most points possible.

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That causes him to continue to play Depay even when his play doesn’t deserve inclusion. There was no reason he should have played at Sunderland today. Van Gaal’s arrogance forced him to include the young Dutchman and it might have cost him points he needed to save his job.

The behavior of Depay off the pitch has also drawn a great deal of criticism from football fans and pundits. Whether it’s allegations of his party lifestyle or his purchase of a ridiculous Rolls Royce, he hasn’t shown a shred of humility off the field. It’s acceptable to be flashy when you are producing on the pitch, but when you aren’t, you become a fool.

Related Story: 10 things that could get Louis van Gaal fired

Today’s loss to Sunderland puts Manchester United’s chances to qualify for the Champions League on life support. It’s quite possible that their best path to qualification may be winning the Europa League. Memphis Depay better help Louis van Gaal achieve that goal, otherwise his antics are going to get his boss sacked.

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